Moving system, method of moving an item and related components

ABSTRACT

A moving system and method of moving an item, for example a construction component. The moving system includes a first guide cable mounted between first and second mounting points, a first member arranged for movement along the first guide cable between a first position and a second position, the first member arranged for connection to an item to be craned into position, a second guide cable mounted between first and second mounting points, a second member arranged for movement along the second guide cable between a first position and a second position, the second member arranged for connection to the item to be craned into position, and a lifting support arranged for connection to a moving device and to provide support for the item during moving of the item.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase of and claims priority toInternational Patent Application No. PCT/AU2017/051053, InternationalFiling Date Sep. 27, 2017, entitled Moving System, Method Of Moving AnItem And Related Components; which claims benefit of AustralianApplication No. 2016904015 filed Oct. 4, 2016 entitled Moving System AndMethod Of Moving An Item; both of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a moving system, method of moving anitem and to related components. The invention has particular, but notexclusive, application in lifting components, such as constructioncomponents, to heights above about 10 metres, and preferably withinconfined environments.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Using cranes or hoists to lift and transport loads between locations isinherently dangerous. Many practices have been developed to manage therisk of injury or death to persons operating, working with, workingnear, or simply being in an area adjacent to the operational point of acrane. Similarly, practices have been developed to manage the risk ofinjury or death to persons working in the construction industry. One ofthe major causes of injury in the construction industry is falls andthus fall-arrest systems have been developed to arrest the fall of aperson from heights of above about two metres. Such systems includesafety nets, catch platforms and safety harness systems. In Australiaand in many countries around the world, stringent work place regulationsstipulate what workers can and cannot do and which safety systems andequipment must be in use, particularly in relation to construction atheight.

In construction environments where there are space constraints,controlling the load being lifted into position by a crane becomes moreproblematic. Space constraints increase the risk that the load willstrike adjacent structures causing damage to them or the load beinglifted by the crane. Typically, responsibility for controlling the swingof the load being craned into position is held by the “dogger” or“dogman”. The dogger holds a tagline, a line attached to the load, anduses it to control swing of the load. The dogger is also responsible forsafely slinging the load, directing the crane operator, and checking thesurrounding area for hazards. When the crane operator's vision isobscured, the dogger provides all instructions to the crane operator toensure safe movement of the load. Accordingly, the dogger needs to bepositioned so that they can safely observe the entire lifting operationfrom the time the load is slung until it is securely placed in its finalposition with lifting slings removed.

Aspects of the present invention have been developed because of thedifficulty of safely lifting loads to heights in confined environments.An example of such a confined environment is when the crane is operatingwithin a building, such as a factory or storage facility. Typically,such environments have structural members, such as product racking,either already in place or under construction. In such environments, thecrane may need to lift loads to heights over 30 metres above the ground.Further, such loads may need to be lifted between existing structureswith very little clearance room. This means that extra care and thusextra time must be taken to ensure that the load does not strikeanything as it is lifted by the crane into position. This can greatlyincrease the overall construction costs.

It is also difficult for the dogger to safely observe the entire liftingoperation in such confined and tall environments. This is because theonly position in which the dogger can really observe the load over theentire lifting operation is from directly below the load. From a safetyaspect, it is unacceptable for the dogger to ever stand directly belowthe load.

The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included toexplain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as anadmission that any of the material referred to was published, known orpart of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of thisapplication.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided amoving system, said moving system including:

a first guide cable mounted between first and second mounting points,

a first member arranged for movement along the first guide cable betweena first position and a second position, the first member arranged forconnection to an item to be craned into position;

a second guide cable mounted between first and second mounting points,

a second member arranged for movement along the second guide cablebetween a first position and a second position, the second memberarranged for connection to the item to be craned into position;

a lifting support arranged for connection to a moving device and toprovide support for the item during moving of the item;

and wherein when the item is connected to each of the first and secondmembers, the item is set by that connection at a predeterminedorientation and when the lifting support is moved by the moving devicethe first and second members move along their respective guide cablesand maintain the item substantially at the predetermined orientation.

The arrangement of the first and second guide cables, their associatedfirst and second members, and the connection of the item to the firstand second members is such as to enable the angular positioning of theitem to be maintained at the predetermined orientation as the item ismoved, for example upwardly or downwardly, by the moving device. Theitem is thus moved in a very controlled and predictable manner enablingit to be more readily manoeuvred in very confined environments, such asvertically between rows of a racking bay being constructed, and atgreater lifting speeds than would otherwise be safely possible.

Once a first item is moved into position in accordance with anembodiment of the method of the invention, secured in place and removedfrom the lifting device, a second item of identical form can be movedinto position below the first item. This can be achieved efficientlybecause there is no need to adjust the positioning of the moving devicebecause the crane line will be in the required position, nor is thereany need to change or adjust any of the other components of the liftingsystem. The second item can simply be secured to the first and secondmember and moved into position. If a second item different to the firstitem is to be installed below the first item, it may be necessary toadjust the connection between the second item and each of the first andsecond members to a new pre-determined orientation.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the moving device isa crane or the like with a hook or other arrangement for connection tothe lifting support. The lifting support includes a lifting beam whichsupports the item and thereby enables movement of the item when thelifting support is moved by the crane. The lifting support is preferablysecured to the item to prevent inadvertent release by means of pins orother appropriate connectors or connections.

The first and second guide cables may adopt different forms, for examplea cable, chain, rope, rail, rod, track or other component, eithernon-rigid or rigid. The first and second guide cables each establish apath of travel along which their associated first and second member canbe moved and that path of travel must be substantially repeatable eachtime the associated first or second member is moved therealong.

When the first and second guide cables are in the form of non-rigidmembers, such as a length of metal cable, the non-rigid members must betensioned between the first and second mounting points to ensurerepeatability of the path of travel. Any substantive lateral movement ofthe guide cable will impact on the repeatability of the path of travel.

The first and second guide cables may, in some circumstances, also berestrained at points along their length so as to control movement, forexample lateral movement, of the guide cables to better ensurerepeatability of the path of travel.

The first and second guide cables are preferably arranged to extendsubstantially vertically and are each arranged to be mounted on arespective upright member. However, it is envisaged that the guidecables could be orientated otherwise to enable the lifting system tomove items between non-vertically aligned points. For example, items maybe moved horizontally or on an angle.

Each of the first and second members preferably includes a movingmember, such as a roller guide, which is configured to engage with itsrespective guide cable and in this way be guided to move along the pathof travel established by the guide cable. In one form, the roller guideincludes a series of paired rollers, the guide cable arranged to runbetween each pair of rollers. In another form, each of the first andsecond members includes a wheel or other member arranged to run along orwithin a body of the guide cable. In such an instance, the guide cablemay be formed as an elongate generally U-shaped cross-sectional member.

Attached to or integrally formed with each of the moving members, is anoffset arrangement or bracket. Such an offset bracket provides aconnection point for connection with the item and is shaped to offsetthe item relative to the guide cable and/or other adjacent structure(s)such as the uprights so as to prevent the item contacting the same whenthe item is moved under the action of the moving device. The offsetbrackets holds the item at a required predetermined orientation, forexample angled to the horizontal, to enable the item to fit between theguide cable and/or other adjacent structure(s) such as the uprights.

The present invention also provides in a second aspect, a jig tableincluding a frame for holding a lifting support, and said frame furtherconfigured to hold an item located on the lifting support in an angledposition. In a preferred form, the angled position is identical orsubstantially identical to the predetermined orientation defined in thefirst aspect of the invention.

The jig table is preferably arranged to be readily movable betweenlocations and to this end may include at least one wheel. In accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, the jig table includes multiplelegs and each leg is wheeled.

The frame of the jig table is preferably arranged so that the item canbe connected to another component, such as an offset bracket, withoutthe need to move the item off or away from the jig table. This preventsor reduces manual handling of the item.

The present invention also relates in a third aspect to a method ofmoving an item using a moving system in accordance with the first aspectof the invention.

The present invention also relates to a racking bay shelf frame forinstallation between adjacent rows of uprights of a racking bay.

The present invention also relates to a racking bay including at leastone shelf frame moved into position using a moving system in accordancewith a first aspect of the invention.

The invention also provides a temporary support for supporting uprightsduring construction of a tower of a racking bay, said temporary supportincluding a link arm arranged to enable temporary connection between afirst upright and a second upright of the racking bay, and wherein inuse the link arm is located in an open area that is outside of the towerof the racking bay.

Preferably, the link arm is movable in use between a first position anda second position whilst remaining in the open area. In the firstposition, the link arm is arranged for connection between the firstupright and the second upright. In the second position, the link arm isarranged for connection between the second upright and a third uprightof the racking bay.

In one embodiment, the temporary support further includes a firstoutrigger arm and a second outrigger arm, said first outrigger armarranged in use for connection to the first upright and the secondoutrigger arm arranged in use for connection to the second upright, thelink arm in the first position arranged to extend between the first andsecond outrigger arms, and the link arm in the second position arrangedto extend between the second outrigger arm and a third outrigger armarranged for connection to a third upright.

The connection between the first outrigger arm and the link arm ispreferably releasable. The connection between the link arm and thesecond outrigger arm is preferably such as to enable the link arm to bemoved thereabout so as to enable the link arm to be moved from the firstposition to the second position whilst remaining in the open areaoutside the tower of the racking bay.

The connection between the link arm and the second outrigger arm ispreferably of the type that includes a rod extending through an apertureso as to allow the rod to rotate with respect to the aperture.

The present invention also provides in other individual aspects, a guidemember, an outrigger arm, and a link arm.

Still further, the invention provides a shelf frame for a racking bay,said shelf frame including at least two longitudinal members and atleast two cross members which are connected together to form anassembled unit before the unit is hoisted into a required positionwithin the racking bay. The shelf frame may be manufactured at theinstallation site or at a distal location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the aspects of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional vertical view of a racking bay;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a lower part of one of the towers of theracking bay shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing a top cable bracket secured to anupright;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view showing a cable guide ready for connectionalong the length of the upright shown in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 4 a is a side view showing two cable guides connected to an uprightand a roller guide passing one of the cable guides;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a roller guide with attached offsetbracket;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a lifting beam;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a shelf frame according to an embodimentof an aspect of the invention connected to a lifting beam and resting ona wheeled jig table according to an embodiment of one aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a racking tower with a shelf framesecured in the upper most position;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an outrigger arm in accordance with anembodiment of one aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a link arm in accordance with anembodiment of one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following embodiment of the invention explains the use of a movingsystem and construction method with reference to the erection of aracking bay within an existing building. The invention is not intendedto be limited to only such a use and those skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention can be used to lift, move and hold loadsin many different applications and environments. However, the movingsystem and construction method of embodiments of the invention areparticularly advantageous when used in confined environments.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional vertical view of a completed racking bay RB.The racking bay RB is formed from a series of towers T separated bycrane aisles CA. As shown in FIG. 1 , the tops of adjacent towers T areconnected by a connection structure CS to provide stability to theracking bay RB. The towers T have a height of about 32 metres, but theinvention is not limited to use with or construction of towers T of sucha height. However, it is envisaged that the moving system of anembodiment of the invention will be of particular value where the heightthat an item must be craned to is over about 10 metres.

Each tower T includes multiple rows of paired uprights U forming thelength of the tower T (i.e. rows extending into the page of FIG. 1 ).Each row of any tower T is formed by sets of paired uprights U whichestablish the width of the tower T. The two uprights U of such a pairare connected together to form a truss column TC. This connection istypically by way of horizontal and diagonal members. Most of the towersT in FIG. 1 have a width established by three truss columns TC per row,whilst the outermost towers T only include two truss columns TC per row.This arrangement of course may vary.

Each tower T includes multiple horizontally extending shelves S whichtypically provide storage across the full width and length of the towerT.

FIG. 2 shows schematically the ground level part of one of the towers Tof a racking bay RB which is still under construction. The completedpart of the tower T is located between first and second rows A, B ofcolumn uprights 20, each row A, B including six uprights 20 that formthree truss columns TC. To improve the clarity of FIG. 2 , thehorizontal and diagonal members of each truss column TC are notdepicted. The arrows marked A and B point to the first upright 20 ofeach row that extends generally across the page of FIG. 2 .

The completed section of racking frame 10 includes horizontal members 22extending between adjacent uprights in the same row and horizontalmembers 24 extending between aligned uprights of adjacent rows A, B.Each of the horizontal members 22, 24 was individually hoisted,installed and then secured at the required position along the height ofthe upright 20. In this way, the horizontal members 22, 24 stabilise theuprights 22 and also provide connection points for potential stackingplatforms/shelves or the like at spaced locations along the length ofthe uprights 20. It will be appreciated that the individual craning andinstallation such horizontal members 22, 24 is very time consuming.Also, as explained previously, there are significant dangers associatedwith craning loads in confined environments and limitations on howconstruction workers must work in such environments.

FIG. 2 also shows a third row C of uprights 20. The arrow marked C inFIG. 2 points to the first upright of the third row of uprights. Noindividual horizontal members 20, 24 have been established between thesecond and third rows B, C of uprights 20. Rather, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, a modular array of horizontal members, inthe form of a pre-assembled shelf frame 30, will be used as analternative to installing individual horizontal members 20, 24. Theshelf frame 30 is assembled and constructed at ground level, either onsite or offsite, and is then lifted into position between uprights 20.

In FIG. 2 , frame 30 is shown ready for installation between the secondand third rows B, C of uprights 20. It will be noted that the third rowC only includes the outer most truss columns TC. The middle truss columnTC is not installed at this stage for buildability reasons.

Multiple shelf frames 30 will be installed between the second and thirdrows B, C of uprights 20. The shelf frames 30 will be spaced verticallyalong the length of the uprights 20 and secured thereto so as to formindividual shelves of the tower T. The shelf frames 30 can be directlysecured to the adjacent uprights 20 without need of any interveningmembers.

The illustrated shelf frame 30 includes two elongate members 32, 34 thatare arranged to extend in a lengthwise direction parallel to the rows ofuprights B, C and six cross members 36 connected perpendicularly to thetwo elongate members 32, 34. Typically, the shelf frame 30 will includeone cross member 36 per upright 20 included in a completed row of thetower T and thus, in accordance with this embodiment, includes six crossmembers 36. The shelf frame 30 as illustrated also includes twoadditional elongate members 38 a, 38 b. These additional elongatemembers 38 a, 38 b are provided in this embodiment to hold locate theinner edge of pallets located on the shelf frame 30.

The shelf frame 30 is shown in FIG. 2 mounted on a jig table 40. Eachleg of the jig table 40 is mounted on wheels to facilitate movement ofthe assembled shelf frame 30 to the installation location. However, itwill be appreciated that a wheelbarrow type arrangement would alsofacilitate movement of the jig table 40. The wheels could also bereplaced with one or more skids.

It will be appreciated that shelf frames 30 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention may either be manufactured at theinstallation site or at a distal location. As will be explained later,the wheeled jig table 40 also positions the shelf frame 30 at a desiredangular position during a first stage of the installation process. Thewheeled jig table 40 and shelf frame 30 are also illustrated in FIG. 7 .

In order to install each shelf frame 30 between the second and thirdrows B, C each shelf frame 30 must be individually hoisted by a crane tothe correct installation position. Once in the correct installationposition, the shelf frame 30 must be secured to the uprights 20 of thesecond and third rows B, C. To avoid interference, the uppermost shelfframe 30 must be installed first and the remaining frames 30 areinstalled in order from the uppermost to the lowermost. Given thecumbersome nature of each shelf frame 30, its dimensions and theconfined environment between adjacent rows B, C, craning the shelf frame30 into position using conventional techniques is problematic, if notimpossible. Accordingly, a moving system has been developed to guidemovement of the assembled shelf frame 30 as it is craned into therequired position. An embodiment of the moving system will now bedescribed.

The moving system includes a first guide cable 110A mounted betweenfirst and second mounting points on an upright 20A. A first member, inthe form of a roller guide 150 with attached offset bracket 160 isarranged for movement along the first guide cable 110A. The first memberis arranged via the offset member 160 for connection to a shelf frame 30to be craned into position. A second guide cable 110B is mounted betweenfirst and second mounting points of an upright member 20B. The secondmember, in the form of another roller guide 150 with attached offsetbracket 160, is arranged for movement along the second guide cable 110B.The second member is arranged via its associated offset member 160 forconnection to the shelf frame 30. A more detailed explanation of theconfiguration of each roller guide 150 will be provided later inconnection with FIG. 5 .

A lifting support 170 is arranged for connection to a moving device suchas a crane (not shown). The lifting support 170 provides support for theshelf frame 30 during movement by the crane. The shelf frame 30 isconnected to each of the first and second members at a predeterminedorientation so that when the lifting support 170 is moved by the movingdevice, each of the first and second members 150 moves along theirrespective guide cables 110A, 110B and maintains the shelf frame 30substantially at the predetermined orientation.

Looking at FIG. 2 , we can see that the first guide cable 110A andsecond guide cable 110B as illustrated are each formed by a length ofmetal cable. The first length of metal cable is attached to the first ofthe uprights 20A and the second length of metal cable is attached to asecond of the uprights 20B. Uprights 20A and 20B are uprights 20 commonto the same row (e.g. row C) and are the uprights adjacent the gap wherethe middle truss column TC will later be installed. The methodology forsecuring each guide cable 110A, 110B to its respective upright 20A, 20Bwould normally be identical. Accordingly, the method of securing thefirst guide cable 110A will only hereafter be described.

First guide cable 110A is secured at either end to the upright 20A sothat in use, the guide cable 110A retains a required tension. Guidecable 110 is preferably a metal cable but may be chain, rod, rope orother member.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , the top end of the cable 110A is secured tothe upper most end of the upright 20A using a top cable bracket 120. Thetop cable bracket 120 may adopt many different forms but as illustratedincludes a simple T-bracket 120 arranged to be bolted to the upright20A. A shackle 122 enables connection of the upper end of the cable 110Ato the cable bracket 120. The bottom end of the cable 110A is secured tothe lower most end of the upright 20A, preferably just above groundlevel, using a bottom cable bracket 130. The bottom cable bracket 130may adopt many different forms but for ease of manufacture andinstallation, preferably adopts a configuration similar to the topbracket 120. A cable tensioning device (not shown) is provided,typically at the bottom end of the cable 110A, to ensure the propertensioning of the cable 110A. Various suitable cable tensioning deviceswill be known by a person skilled in the art.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , when the cable 110A is properly securedbetween the top and bottom cable brackets 120, 130 it is spacedhorizontally from the upright 20A. To ensure that this spacing ismaintained along the full height of the upright 20A and to preventexcessive lateral movement of the cable 110, cable guides 140 willtypically need to be installed along the upright 20A.

FIG. 4 illustrates one of the cable guides 140 prior to attachment tothe upright 20A. Cable guide 140 includes a base 142 arranged to bebolted to the upright 20A and a pivotable guide member 144. Guide member144 has an inner end 144 a arranged for spring loaded pivotal movementabout a longitudinal axis A₁ and a V-shaped outer end 144 b.

In FIG. 4 only part of the cable 110A is shown. However, it should beunderstood that in use, cable 110A passes through the V-shaped outer end144 b of the guide member 144 so that lateral movement of the cable 110Ais limited by contact with the V-shaped outer end 144 b. Guide member144 is biased by two springs 146. One spring biases the guide member 144to pivot in a first direction and the other spring biases the guidemember 144 to pivot in a second opposite direction. In this way, theguide member 144 is normally held in a neutral position as shown in FIG.4 .

FIG. 5 illustrates one of the previously mentioned roller guides 150,shown fitted with an offset bracket 160. As previously described inrelation to FIG. 2 , one roller guide 150 is fitted to each of the guidecables 110A, 110B. As will be later explained in more detail, eachroller guide 150 helps to guide and limit movement of the shelf frame 30as it is moved into position by the crane. The shelf frame 30 is locatedon the lifting support 170 which is attached to a crane via the crane'shook.

The offset bracket 160 attached to the roller guide 150 has twofunctions. Firstly, it provides a mechanism by which an item, such asone of the shelf frames 30, can be secured to the roller guide 150.Secondly, the offset bracket 160 is shaped so as to offset the itemrelative to the upright 20A when the item is being craned into positionand/or to hold the item at a required angle relative to the upright 20A.In this way, the item will be prevented from striking the upright 20Aand will also be delivered to the rigger at a required orientation. Thesize and shape of the offset bracket 160 will vary depending on the itemthat is being craned into position.

Roller guide 150 is arranged to be mounted about the guide cable 110A sothat when the item, for example one of the shelf frames 30, is beingcraned into position, roller guide 150 will travel upwardly along thelength of the guide cable 110A. Roller guide 150 travels upwardly alongthe guide cable 110A as a consequence of its attachment to the shelfframe 30 which is located on the lifting support 170. Hence, rollerguide 150 is in effect pulled upwardly by the crane along the length ofthe guide cable 110A. As will be explained later, shelf frame 30 andeach roller guide 150 are also preferably connected to the liftingsupport 170.

It will be appreciated that as the roller guide 150 is arranged to bepulled along the guide cable 110A, the guide cable 110A establishes apath of travel. Provided the location of the guide cable 110A does notsubstantially move, for example by ensuring the cable 110A is held intension between its upper and lower connections to the upright 20A, thepath of travel of the roller guide 150 as it moves along the cable 110Awill be repeatable, controlled and predictable. This means that the pathof travel of the shelf frame 30 connected between the two roller guides150 as it is moved by the action of the crane, will also be repeatable,controlled and predictable.

Although the roller guide 150 and offset bracket 160 are described andillustrated herein as separate members, it should be understood thatthis need not necessarily be the case. The features of the offsetbracket 160 may be incorporated with the roller guide 150 to form aroller member. However, it is envisaged that the ability to remove oneoffset bracket 160 from the roller guide 150 and replace it withanother, perhaps one of a different shape may be advantageous. Adifferent shaped or sized offset bracket 160 may be configured to holdan item at a different predetermined orientation, which might benecessary to accommodate an item of different size and/or shape, or adifferent sized spacing between the rows of uprights through which theitem is to be moved.

As best shown in FIG. 6 , lifting support 170 includes a centrallongitudinal member 172, a pair of cradles 174, crane chains 176, andcrane ring 178. The cradles 174 are configured to receive parts of theshelf frame 30 when the shelf frame 30 is seated thereon. Crane ring 178is configured to receive the hook of a crane so as to enable hoisting ofthe lifting support 170 and thus also the shelf frame 30 seated on thecradles 174 of the lifting support 170.

Although not shown in FIG. 6 , in use each end of the central member 172of the lifting support 170 is arranged to be connected to one of theroller guides 150. This connection is by way of a chain 179 (FIG. 8 ),rope or other such connection and provides the means to pull the rollerguide 150 from the top of the guide cable 110A to the bottom of thecable 110B simply by lowering the lifting support 170 to the ground. Theconnection also prevents the roller guides 150 from lowering down theguide cables 110A, 110B once the offset bracket 160 is disconnected fromthe shelf frame 30 following connection of the shelf frame 30 inposition on the uprights 20. This connection also provides means forrestricting unwanted movement of the lifting support 170. Moreparticularly, as one end of the central member 172 is connected toupright 20A via roller guide 150 and guide cable 110A and the other endof the central member 172 is connected to upright 20B via roller guide150 and guide cable 110B, movement of the lifting support 170 is limitedwithin the range of the chains 179. Accordingly, although the liftingsupport 170 can be freely lifted and lowered vertically by the crane,side to side movement either horizontally or end to end, and spinningmovement is restricted due to the central member's 172 connection to thepair of roller guides 150 by the chains 179 and when the shelf frame 30is connected to the lifting support 170, also by the shelf frame'sconnection 30 to each roller guide 150 via its respective offset bracket160.

As best shown in FIG. 5 , roller guide 150 includes a U-shaped body 152that provides a connection point for the offset bracket 160. Body 152also provides mounting points for three pairs of grooved rollers 154which are spaced along the length of the body 152. Guide cable 110A isarranged to extend through each pair of grooved rollers 154. The numberof pairs of rollers 154 mounted on the roller guide 150 may varydepending on the configuration of the roller guide. It should also beunderstood that although roller guide 150 includes pairs of rollers 154,it is envisaged that the roller guide 150 could be replaced with anotherform of guide arrangement that guides movement along the guide cable110A. For example, the rollers 154 may be replaced with one or moretracks that in use run along the guide cable 110A or they may bereplaced with a member, such as a tube or the like, through which thecable 110A would extend. Alternatively, a modified arrangement mightinclude a body including at least one roller wheel extending therefromand which is arranged to run or slide within or on a track whichreplaces the previously described metal cable 110A. The track might beformed by a generally U-shaped cross-sectional member.

Returning to FIG. 2 , the method of moving a shelf frame 30 into therequired position on the tower T and securing it thereto will now beexplained.

Firstly, a lifting support 170 is positioned on a wheeled jig table 40.A shelf frame 30 is then positioned on the wheeled jig table 40 so thatit is located on the cradles 174 of the lifting support 170. Typically,the shelf frame 30 would be secured to the lifting support 170 usingsome form of connectors, for example keeper pins. Although the liftingsupport 170 is described as being positioned on the wheeled jig table 40before the shelf frame 30 is positioned on the jig table 40, this maynot necessarily be the case.

The wheeled jig table 40 is then wheeled into position between thesecond and third rows B, C. The wheeled jig table 40 is arranged so thatthe shelf frame 30 is held at an angle. The angle is set so that thewheeled jig table 40 can be easily wheeled between the second and thirdrows of uprights B, C without any part of the shelf frame 30 strikingthe uprights 20. It will be appreciated that the angle at which theshelf frame 30 sits may vary depending on the particular shelf frame.

Whilst still supported on the wheeled jig table 40, the shelf frame 30is positioned so that the offset bracket 160 of each roller guide 150can be secured, for example by bolting, to the required points on theshelf frame 30. The angle that the shelf frame 30 is held by the wheeledjig table 40 is also preferably set so as to make connection of theshelf frame 30 to the offset brackets 160 possible without need forlifting or substantial adjustment of the positioning of the shelf frame30. The shelf frame 30 is connected to the offset brackets 160 so thatit is held in a predetermined orientation.

Once the connection between the shelf frame 30 and each of the offsetbrackets 160 is completed, each end of the shelf frame 30 is held firmlybetween the pair of offset brackets 160 in a manner that prevents sideto side movement of the shelf frame 30. The free end of the chain 179 ofeach roller guide is then connected to the lifting support 170.

The crane hook can then be connected to the crane ring 178 of thelifting support 170 so that the crane can be used to lift the shelfframe 30 off the jig table 40. Once the shelf frame 30 is clear of thejig table 40, the jig table 40 is wheeled clear of the tower T. That jigtable 40 can then be fitted with another lifting support 170 and anothershelf frame 30 in anticipation of another shelf frame 30 installation.

The crane can then be used to lift the shelf frame 30 attached theretovertically to its required connection height within the tower T. It willbe appreciated that the upper most shelf frame 30 of the tower T must beinstalled first, followed in height order with the remaining shelfframes 30.

As the crane lifts the lifting support 170 and shelf frame 30 verticallyaway from the wheeled jig table 40, the roller guides 150 will be pulledupwardly along the guide cables 110A, 110B. As mentioned previously,movement of the roller guides 150 is restricted due to the engagementbetween each pair of grooved rollers 154 and the associated tensionedguide cable 110A, 110B. The intention is for the roller guides 150 tomove along a path of travel established by the guide cables 110A, 110B.In this instance, the path of travel extends substantially vertically.The guide cables 110A, 110B are kept in tension and also restrainedalong their length by the cable guides 140 so as to prevent movement. Inthis way, the path of travel along which the roller guides 150 are movedis repeatable, meaning in the context of the described embodiment, thatthe roller guides 150 can be moved upwardly and downwardly substantiallyvertically over and over again along the same path.

It will also be appreciated that because the shelf frame 30 is connectedto the roller guides 15 via the offset brackets 160 in the predeterminedorientation, the shelf frame 30 can also be moved substantiallyvertically parallel to the path of travel whilst being retained in thatorientation. Further, because the shelf frame 30 is connected betweenthe two offset brackets 160 that are connected to their respectiveroller guides 150, the shelf frame 30 is restrained from end to end typemovement in a direction parallel to the rows of uprights 20. This isbecause the horizontal spacing between the two roller guides 150 isdetermined by the horizontal distance between the guide cables 110A,110B. As the guide cables 110A, 110B are tensioned and are restrainedfrom any significant lateral movement, that horizontal distance issubstantially fixed. It will also be appreciated that the shelf frame 30is located on the lifting support 170 and as such the roller guides 150will be pulled along their respective cables 110A, 110B substantiallyevenly. Accordingly, the shelf frame 30 is restrained to move upwardlyand downwardly under the action of the crane whilst being retained inthe predetermined orientation. The shelf frame 30 will not move to anysignificant amount other in an end to end direction in a generallyhorizontal plane, nor will it roll or yaw to any significant amount. Inthis manner, the orientation of the shelf frame 30 is substantiallymaintained in the predetermined orientation whereby it will not strikeany of the uprights 20 as it is moved into position by the crane.

Importantly, such an arrangement prevents the need for a tagline to beattached to the lifting support 170 due to the controlled positioning ofthe shelf frame 30. This means that the impact of the weight of thetagline does not need to be counteracted and further there is norequirement for a dogger to ever stand directly below the liftingsupport 170. This provides a significant safety improvement because thedogger is not underneath the shelf frame 30 should it accidentally fall.Further, the dogger is not required to spend significant time lookingupwardly at a sharp angle which may cause injury. Finally, as thepredetermined orientation of the shelf frame 30 is maintained duringlifting by the crane, it is anticipated that the hoisting speed of thecrane will be increased as compared to what would otherwise be possible.

Once the shelf frame 30 reaches its required attachment position andwith the crane still holding the load of the shelf frame 30, riggerswill capture the shelf frame 30 and will disconnect the connections tothe offset brackets 160. The offset brackets 160 and connected cableguides 150 will then simply hang by the chains 179 from the liftingsupport 170. Once released from the offset brackets 160, the shelf frame30 can be connected to the uprights 20 of the second and third rows B, Cso as to secure the shelf frame 30 within the tower T.

Once the shelf frame 30 is securely attached to the tower T, the liftingsupport 170 is disconnected from the shelf frame 30. If keeper pins areused to connect the lifting support 170 to the shelf frame 30, they willbe connected to the lifting support 170 on lanyards or the like. Thisprevents inadvertent release to the ground which could cause injury tosomeone below.

The crane then lowers the lifting support 170 to ground level. Due tothe chains 179 that are still connected to the cable guides 150,lowering of the lifting support 170 will pull the cable guides 150downwardly along their respective guide cables 110A, 110B to return themto their original starting point. The crane hook can then be releasedfrom the lifting support 170, and then the lifting support 170 can betaken away. This entire process can then be repeated to install the nextshelf frame 30 immediately below the previously installed shelf frame30.

Although the chains 179 connected between the lifting support 170 andthe cable guides 150 are described as providing the mechanism forreturning the cable guides 150 to their original starting point, otherarrangements are envisaged. It is also envisaged that other arrangementsmay be put into place to prevent the cable guides 150 from lowering totheir original starting point once the offset brackets 160 aredisconnected from the shelf frame 30.

FIG. 8 illustrates the upper most shelf frame 30 secured in position inthe tower T. In this Figure, the lifting support 170 has been releasedfrom the shelf frame 30 and has been lowered to a position just belowthe shelf frame 30. The connection of the crane to the crane hook 178 ofthe lifting support 170 is still retained. The connection of the offsetbrackets 160 to the ends of the lifting support 170 via chains 179 isalso shown in this Figure.

FIG. 8 also shows that prior to the secure connection of all of theshelf frames 30 between the second and third rows B, C, of uprights 20,the outer most uprights of the third row C must, for stability reasonsbe temporarily secured to the outer most uprights of the second row B.If they are not so secured, the truss columns TC of the third row Cwould be unstable. Securing the positioning of the uprights of thesetruss columns TC must be done in a way that does not interfere withlifting of the uppermost shelf frame 30 into position from the ground.Accordingly, an outrigger arm 200 is attached to each of the outer mostuprights 20 of the second and third rows B, C adjacent the upper mostend (i.e. an outrigger arm 200 is attached to a first upright andanother outrigger arm 200 is attached to a second upright). Eachoutrigger arm 200 extends outwardly towards the nearest crane aisle CAand in doing so does not infringe on the ability of the uppermost shelfframe 30 to be moved into the required position between the second andthird rows B, C of uprights 20. It will be appreciated that the craneaisle CA represents an open area that is outside the particular tower ofthe racking bay.

The outrigger arms 200 of the first and second uprights are joined by alink arm 210 to establish a temporary brace. In this way the outer mosttruss columns TC of the third row C are temporarily, but securely,connected to the adjacent truss columns of the second row B and thus thefinished section of the racking bay RB.

FIG. 9 illustrates the outrigger arm 200 in more detail and FIG. 10illustrates the link arm 210 in more detail. Outrigger arm 200 has aplate 202 at one end configured to enable bolted attachment to theupright 20 and a threaded rod 204 at the other to enable connection tothe link arm 210. In FIG. 9 , two bolts 206 are shown extending throughapertures 208 of the plate 202. The plate 202 is shown as includingeight apertures 208 for bolts, but other numbers of apertures and boltsare envisaged.

Link arm 210 has an aperture 212 in each end through which the threadedrod 204 of an associated outrigger arm 200 may pass. A nut (not shown)would be threaded onto the end of the rod 204 after it has passedthrough the aperture 212 and thus used to secure the link arm 210 to theoutrigger arm 200.

Given the overall length of the truss columns TC (i.e. height of thetruss columns TC), it may be necessary to provide such a temporary braceat a number of points along the length of the truss columns TC. Moreparticularly, the truss column TC may include a number of sectionsjoined together to establish the full height of the truss column TC. Inthat event, it would be advisable to include at least one temporarybrace on each section of the truss column TC.

Once all of the shelf frames 30 between the second and third rows B, Chave been installed, the missing middle truss column TC of the third rowC must be installed thereby completing the third row C and the tower T.

To enlarge the tower T, another row of truss columns TC fitted withshelf frames 30 can be established. This would be done in the same wayas previously described in relation to the installation of shelf frames30 between the second and third rows B, C.

It will be noted that the outermost uprights 20 of the new fourth rowwill need to be stabilised using a temporary brace. This can be done byreleasing the connection between the outrigger arm 200 that is connectedto the first upright of the truss column of the second row B, and thenmoving that outrigger arm 200 with connected link arm 210 from the firstposition to a second position. The link arm 210 with connected outriggerarm 200 can be swung by the riggers around 180° so that the disconnectedfirst outrigger arm 200 can then be connected to the outermost upright20 of the new fourth row (i.e. a third upright). During this process,the second outrigger arm 200, that is the one connected to the uprightof the truss column of the third row C (i.e. the second upright),remains connected to the second upright via the plate 202 thereof. Itmay be necessary to slacken off the associated nut of that secondoutrigger arm 200 in order to enable the link arm 210 to rotate aboutthe threaded rod 204 thereof from the first position to the secondposition. Further, during this process, the link arm 210 remains in theopen area.

As an alternative methodology, the outrigger arm 200 connected to thefirst upright of the truss column of the second row B may be leftconnected thereto. However, the end of the link arm 210 connected tothat outrigger arm 200 is released and then moved from the firstposition to the second position. When in the second position, the end ofthe link arm 210 can be connected to a third outrigger arm 200 that waspreviously connected to the outermost upright 20 of the new fourth row.

As mentioned previously, it is important to prevent lateral movement ofthe guide cables 110A, 110B. This can be facilitated by providing anumber of cable guides 140 along the length of each guide cable 110A,110B. Each cable guide 140 is positioned so that its associated cable110A, 110B runs through the V-shaped outer end 144 b of the guide member144 when the guide cable is in its required position. The V-shaped outerend 144 b restricts lateral movement of the guide cable 110A, 110B.However, as will be better appreciated from FIG. 4A, the V-shaped outerend 144 b of each cable guide 140 must be able to move out of the way ofthe roller guide 150 as the roller guide 150 travels along the cable110A. This is why each guide member 144 is spring loaded for pivotalmovement about axis A₁. Such movement allows the guide member 144 tomove from the neutral position to an upward position when the V-shapedouter end 144 b is contacted from underneath by the U-shaped body 152 ofthe roller guide 150. Once the roller guide 150 clears the cable guide140, the guide member 144 will return, under the spring bias, to theneutral position. It will of course be appreciated, that when the rollerguide 150 is pulled downwardly along the guide cable 110A to return itto ground level, the guide member 144 will be caused to move to adownward positon to allow the roller guide 150 to pass. It then springsback to the neutral position.

To ensure the desired orientation of the cable 110A, 110B along its fulllength, it is envisaged that multiple cable guides 140 may need to beinstalled along the length of each upright 20A, 20B. Further, theyshould preferably be spaced so that when the V-shaped outer end 144 b ofone cable guide 140 is not limiting lateral movement of the cable 110A,110B due to it being moved away from the neutral position, another cableguide 140 will still act to control that lateral movement. To this end,it is envisaged that the cable guides 140 would be paired along thelength of each upright 20A, 20B and positioned so that when one cableguide 140 is not limiting lateral movement of the guide cable 110A, 110b, the cable guide 140 immediately above or below will do so. Thispaired nature of the cable guides 140 along upright 20A is illustratedin FIG. 4A.

It should also be understood that the configuration of the offsetbracket 160 can be readily changed to take into account the size and therequired predetermined orientation of the shelf frame 30 or other itemto be connected thereto. As will be apparent, the predeterminedorientation will depend on factors such as the size and shape of theitem, the spacing between adjacent rows of the racking bay RB throughwhich the item is to be moved, and any other impediment to movement ofthe item as it is being lifted into position. If necessary, the offsetbracket 160 can be quickly disconnected from the roller guide 150 andreplaced with a different one.

It will also be appreciated that by minimising the friction between theguide cables 110A, 110 b and the roller guides 150, it will be possibleto ensure even better control of the movement of the roller guides 150and thus the shelf frame 30. This enables the desired clearances betweenthe shelf frame 30 and truss columns TC to be maintained, minimising therisk of any accidental impact to the truss columns TC or any surroundingstructure.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the liftingsupport 170 as previously described may be replaced with other forms oflifting support. For example, the shelf frame 30 or other item beingmoved could be supported on a lifting beam which is connected to thecrane via a pair of soft slings or lengths of wire rope.

It will also be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment enables theshelf frame 30 or other item to be lifted along a substantially verticalpath. However, it is envisaged that other embodiments of the inventionwould enable movement of an item along a non-vertical path.

Embodiments of the moving system are advantageous because they providevery controlled movement of the item being lifted into position. Thisenables the item to be moved by a crane in confined environments in asafer manner and preferably at greater hoisting speeds than wouldotherwise be possible. This in turns speeds up construction times whenthe moving system is used to lift construction elements into position.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention areenvisaged.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A temporary support configured to supportuprights during construction of a tower of a racking bay, said temporarysupport including first and second outriggers arms and a link arm, thelink arm in use arranged to extend between the first and secondoutrigger arms, said first outrigger arm arranged in use for connectionto a first upright and the second outrigger arm arranged in use forconnection to a second upright, wherein the first outrigger arm isparallel to the second outrigger arm, and wherein the first outriggerarm and second outrigger arm in use extend away from their respectiveuprights so as to be located in an open area that is outside of an outerperimeter of the tower of the racking bay; wherein the connectionbetween the first outrigger arm and first upright is releasable, and theconnection between the link arm and the second outrigger arm is such asto enable the link arm to be swung to a second position when theconnection between the first outrigger arm and the first upright isreleased, and in the second position the first outrigger arm is arrangedfor connection to a third upright whilst the connection between thesecond outrigger arm and the second upright is retained.
 2. A rackingbay including a plurality of towers constructed from uprights and shelfframes, the uprights having been supported during construction of atower by a temporary support in accordance with claim
 1. 3. A method ofconstructing a tower of a racking bay, the method including using atemporary support to support uprights during construction of the tower,the temporary support including a link arm, arranging the link arm toenable temporary connection between a first upright and a second uprightof the racking bay, the link arm being located in an open area that isoutside of an outer perimeter of the tower of the racking bay, includingswinging the link arm between a first position and a second positionwith the link arm remaining in the open area, the method furtherincluding use of a first outrigger arm and a second outrigger arm, thefirst and second outrigger arms arranged in parallel to each other sothat when the link arm is in the first position the first outrigger armis arranged for connection to the first upright and the second outriggerarm is arranged for connection to the second upright.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the connection between the first outriggerarm and the link arm is releasable and the connection between the linkarm and the second outrigger arm is arranged to enable the link arm tobe moved thereabout so as to enable the link arm to be swung from thefirst position to the second position whilst remaining in the open areaoutside the tower of the racking bay, and further when the link arm isin the second position the first outrigger arm is arranged forconnection to a third upright and the second outrigger arm is arrangedfor connection to the second upright.
 5. A racking bay having aplurality of towers constructed from uprights and shelf frames, theuprights having been supported during construction of a tower by atemporary support in accordance with the method of claim 3.